SolveYourProblem Article Series: Menopause
Menopause Symptoms and Relief

Menopause: Herbal Supplements
   

There are a number of herbal supplements available on the market that may help women deal with their menopause symptoms. Among the most common symptoms of menopause are depression, anxiety and hot flashes. Women are seeking alternatives to traditional medication to solve these problems. Some of the most common herbal and botanical supplements are listed below:

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh, a flowering plant that grows naturally in Eastern North America, contains phytochemicals that are believed to relieve symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh is thought to contain phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones, which bind to estrogen receptors in your body.

Plant estrogens work very much like your natural estrogen, helping to produce lubrication in your vagina, working to control temperature, and helping to strengthen bones. Black cohosh works directly on your hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature and hormone production, and is believed to be the cause of many of the symptoms that come accompany menopause

Benefits of Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a great reliever of many menopause symptoms including night sweats, anxiety, and depression. Black cohosh is thought to reduce hot flashes by reducing the luteinizing hormone in your body, which is associated with extreme temperature fluctuations. In a recent study, 80% of women taking a black cohosh supplement experienced a reduction in hot flashes, sweating, and heart palpitations.

How to Take Black Cohosh

A variety of commercial companies provide black cohosh in supplement form. It may be taken twice a day for six months, but should not be taken for a longer period of time. Side effects may include mild stomach upsets and headaches. It has also been linked to an increase in liver enzymes. There have been a few cases of liver inflammation due to overuse of black cohosh.

Dong Quai

Nicknamed the "female ginseng," Dong quai is one of the foremost herbs used in treating symptoms of menopause. Otherwise known as Chinese Angelica, Don quai is an herb native to China and is commonly used in Eastern medicine and cooking. Dong quai increases your level of estrogen because it contains phytoestrogens, which bind to the estrogen receptors in our body. This increased estrogen works to reduce a variety of menopausal symptoms.

Benefits of Dong Quai

Don quai dilates blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow. This works to relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Additionally, this herb helps to regulate estrogen levels in your body, which also aid in relieving menopausal symptoms. Also, dong quai is a mild sedative that may help to reduce mood swings and stress.

How to Take Dong Quai

Dong quai is available in many different forms; however, the easiest way to ingest the herb is in pill form. The daily recommended dosage is between 400 and 600 mg. The Dong quai root may also be steeped in water to create tea.

Maca Root

The Maca root has been used for centuries in South America, Both the indigenous peoples of South America and the Spanish have used the maca root for centuries. The maca root, when combined with food, was thought to be an aphrodisiac. People still eat it today for its sexual benefits. The maca root, which resembles a radish, is also a great supplement for reducing the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms.

Unlike black cohosh, the maca root does not contain plant estrogens. Instead, it is an adaptogen: it helps to balance out your body’s existing hormone system and encourages the production of hormones. Maca root also contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron as well as Vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, and E.

Benefits of Maca Root

Maca root encourages an increase and then a balance between estrogen and progesterone, so it is highly beneficial to women entering menopause. Increasing estrogen helps to reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Maca root may also lead to an increase libido, restoring the sex drive that was lost during menopause. Maca root is also believed to help reduce the effects of memory loss and osteoporosis.

How to Take Maca Root

Maca root may be taken in capsule form three times a day, preferably with meals, or it can be boiled and taken as a tea. The daily recommended dose is around 900mg.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2006

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